Admissions & Registration

General Entrance Requirements

Open-Door Policy

As a full opportunity, open-door institution, SUNY Ulster assures a place for applicants meeting the admissions requirements. Although admission is generally assured for most applicants, SUNY Ulster does not guarantee acceptance into particular programs of study. In accordance with New York State law, the College reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant when it is deemed in the best interest of the College to do so, or if the College determines that the applicant does not have the ability to benefit from the College’s instruction.

SUNY Ulster’s open-door policy signifies the desire to make education accessible to all students, regardless of previous experience or performance, if they can benefit from the College’s educational programs. One of SUNY Ulster’s goals is to equip its students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the job market or in a four-year college.

The Matriculated Student

A matriculated student is one who has formally applied to the College and has been formally accepted into a degree, certificate, or diploma program. Students are bound by the program and degree requirements as stated in the catalog for the academic year of their matriculation. Students who began a program before the effective date of program revisions must be allowed to graduate under the program’s previous requirements. However, if it is beneficial to the student, the student should be allowed to graduate under the revised program requirements. Applicants for matriculation must possess either a local or Regents high school diploma or a High School Equivalency diploma (GED, TASC, etc.). An IEP diploma is not a recognized diploma.

Matriculated students experience several advantages. Matriculated students may:

• Enroll full-time or part-time,
• Apply for financial aid,
• Apply for any of the various scholarships available,
• Be assigned an academic advisor, and
• Be awarded a degree, certificate or diploma.

Applicants for matriculation or admission should follow these procedures:

1. Candidates must complete either the SUNY Ulster application (free application) or the SUNY application (fee required) listing SUNY Ulster as their choice. Both applications are available online at the College’s website or at high schools, SUNY Ulster’s Enrollment and Success Center, and Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster.
2. Candidates should have their high school guidance office send an official copy of their high school transcript directly to the SUNY Ulster Enrollment and Success Center.
   1. Applicants who possess an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, or a Baccalaureate Degree will not be required to submit an official high school transcript, providing that all official college transcripts have been supplied to the Enrollment and Success Center.
3. If candidates possess a High School Equivalency diploma they must present official test results or Diploma to SUNY Ulster’s Enrollment and Success Center. A copy of the original will be made in the Enrollment and Success Center.
4. If applicable, candidates should make a formal request to all previously attended post-secondary institutions that official copies of their transcripts be sent directly to SUNY Ulster’s Enrollment and Success Center. Students transferring credit to SUNY Ulster should refer to Transfer Admissions section of this catalog for more information about transfer credits and graduation residency requirements.
5. Applicants who have completed college course work for college credit or have taken Advanced Placement (AP) testing through the College Board may be eligible for transfer credits. Official college transcripts and/or AP testing results from the College Board must be submitted to the Enrollment and Success Center for consideration.
6. All transcripts must be in English. For transcripts not in English, we require that all translated transcripts and evaluation be sent by a member of the National Association of Credential Services, www.naces.org. Contact the Enrollment and Success Center with any questions.
7. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) are not required for admissions.
8. Students may be required to take the Entering Student Assessment. This assessment will assist the advisor in registering the student in appropriate courses.
9. NYS Public Health Law 2165 requires students who were born on or after January 1, 1957, and who are taking six or more credits in any one semester, to provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella at the time they register. Students who need these immunizations should contact College Health Services. NYS Public Health Law 2167 requires that all college and university students complete and return the meningitis response portion of the immunization form.
10. Inquiries may be directed to the Enrollment and Success Center.

Candidates should send applications and transcripts to: SUNY Ulster
Enrollment and Success Center
Vanderlyn Hall, VAN 119
PO Box 557
Stone Ridge, NY 12484

All documents submitted for admissions become the property of the SUNY Ulster Enrollment and Success Center and will not be returned to the student or forwarded to a third party. After ten years, the College is not required to retain documents received.

Specific Program Requirements

Admission to certain programs is competitive, and may require specified criteria for students to qualify and a separate application process. Please follow these links to see the department websites for detailed information:

Nursing

Police Basic Training

Veterinary Technology

Home-Schooled Applicants

Home-schooled students will be eligible for admission to SUNY Ulster if they can provide one of the following:

1. A letter from the superintendent of the school district in which the student resides, attesting to the student’s completion of a program of home instruction meeting the requirements of Section 100.10 of the regulations of the Commissioner.
   • This includes continuing to work with your home district in which you reside and submitting the quarterly reports beyond compulsory attendance age and meeting all other NY State Department of Education requirements. View a complete listing of these requirements here.
2. A passing score on the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) for the state high school equivalency. Please note, TASC, is the new GED.
3. A New York High School Equivalency Diploma Based Upon 24 College Credits. Students would register for 24 credits in defined areas*, as non-matriculated students. Once the 24 credits are earned, student completes “Attachment J” with the Registrar’s Office. Once the state grants the diploma, students may apply and matriculate into a degree program using some or all of the earned credits, depending on program choice.
   • *Course Distribution Requirements for NYS Equivalency, Attachment J (PDF).
   • Please note, non-matriculated students are NOT eligible to receive financial aid.

*Home-schooled students who have not reached “maximum compulsory school attendance age” and wish to enroll in coursework at SUNY Ulster may qualify for our Early College Program. Please see Early College Programs section of this catalog for more information.

International Students Applying for an F-1 Student Visa

International students who are non-United States citizens and have attended secondary school outside the United States OR international students currently attending a college or university in this country and attended secondary school in another country, should apply to the College as an international student in need of an I-20 (F-1 Visa). In addition to the General Entrance Requirements, international students seeking admission to the College and a USCIS Form I-20 must submit additional information along with their applications. Further information is available on our website. International student applications are due by June 1 for the fall semester, November 1 for the spring semester, and April 1 for summer session.

The College does not have on-campus housing accommodations.

It is mandatory by law that this College collect and report information for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Enrolled international students will be responsible for keeping the international student advisor apprised of information related to these immigration laws. Additional information about Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fees and requirements will be provided to accepted international applicants.

International students meet with the international student advisor upon arrival at the College. An appointment with the advisor can be made by contacting the Enrollment and Success Center.

Visitors to the United States with a Tourist Visa (B2) or Visa Waiver are prohibited by law from enrolling in a full course of study

Transfer Applicants

SUNY Ulster welcomes transfer applicants from other colleges and universities.

If students have attended any other college, they should request that official transcripts be forwarded to SUNY Ulster from all institutions attended. Transfer credit will be evaluated upon receipt of official transcripts and awarded for courses that meet the following criteria:

• The courses were completed at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution;
• The courses were completed with a grade of C- or better;
• The courses’ content and scope are applicable to the program requirements at SUNY Ulster, and;
• The cumulative average of all courses being accepted by SUNY Ulster is 2.0 or higher.

Students, with the exception of athletes, who are unable to obtain prior college official transcripts or wish not to have their transcripts evaluated for transfer credit may fill out the Transcript Waiver Form.

Additional information for Transfer Students:

• A grade of C or better may be required in subject areas of English, Math and Science.
• The College may approve up to six credit hours of D+, D, or D- work in general electives only.
• Grades and quality points for courses transferred from other schools will not appear on the SUNY Ulster transcript or be part of the SUNY Ulster grade-point average.
• To earn a degree from SUNY Ulster, students must complete at least 30 credit-bearing semester hours at SUNY Ulster. If they want to obtain a one-year diploma they must complete at least 15 semester hours at SUNY Ulster, regardless of the number of semester hours earned elsewhere.
• SUNY has implemented an appeal process for transfer students with concerns regarding credits from other SUNY institutions. Students may obtain further information here.
• College credit earned through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement Program (AP), the Excelsior College Examination Program and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) are also recognized.
• Credits earned from a non-regionally accredited institution but a recognized accrediting organization may be awarded on an individual basis and subject to departmental and Vice President for Academic Affairs approval.

Readmission

Former SUNY Ulster students who were enrolled previously and have not attended SUNY Ulster for one or more consecutive semesters are required to complete an application for Readmission. Students are bound by the program and degree requirements as stated in the catalog for the academic year of their readmission. Students seeking readmission are required to submit official transcripts from other academic institutions they have attended after a break in enrollment at SUNY Ulster. Applicants currently enrolled in coursework at another college at the time of application will be required to submit an official final transcript upon completion of work in progress.

Credits earned at SUNY Ulster are always valid. However, the age of particular credit courses that have been identified as critical to certain programs may result in requiring the student to enroll in additional coursework to complete a degree at the College.

Fresh Start

Fresh Start (FS) provides a student who left SUNY Ulster without completing an academic program an opportunity to return and start with a new grade-point average (GPA). FS is an option only for students who have not taken a course at SUNY Ulster for at least two academic years.

The FS student will retain previous credit that (1) was completed with a grade of C- or better and (2) can be applied to the requirements of the student’s current academic program. However, no quality points earned from these courses will be applied to the student’s GPA. The College may allow up to six credit hours of D+, D, or D- work from the student’s previous courses when the inclusion of that work will allow the GPA for course work being accepted under FS to be 2.0 or higher. These credits will be considered only as open electives and will not be accepted in the major area of study.

Graduation Residency Requirements

Students who wish to obtain an Associate degree from SUNY Ulster are required to complete at least 30 credit- bearing semester hours at SUNY Ulster. Those wishing to obtain a one-year diploma must complete at least 15 semester hours at SUNY Ulster, regardless of the number of semester hours earned elsewhere.

Online Learning

Transfer students may have a maximum of 31 applicable academic credits transferred. A minimum of 15 of the remaining 30 academic credits for the degree must be completed with SUNY Ulster classes. The remaining 15 credits must be met with SUNY Learning Network courses.

Prior Learning Assessment: Alternate Modes for Earning College Credit

Prior Learning Assessment or PLA is a process by which verifiable college level learning acquired outside of traditional learning environments is assessed for and (if appropriate) awarded college credit. Documented, demonstrable learning, not simply life experience itself, will be the basis for awarding of credit.   At SUNY Ulster, this offering was formerly called Collegiate Level Learning Experience (CLLE); the name for the offering was changed to PLA as this is the common term employed across academia for this effort.

In addition to the direct transfer of credit from other accredited institutions, SUNY Ulster recognizes many nontraditional modes of learning, all of which are explained below. Students who earn such credit must still meet the residency requirement: a minimum of 30 credit-bearing semester hours of academic course work at SUNY Ulster for the Associate degree and 50% of credit-bearing semester hours for a certificate. Any course for which alternate credit is given may not be repeated at the college for credit.  Credit will not be granted for learning that is not germane to the logical structure of a certificate or degree program. Students intending to transfer to four-year institutions should be aware that any credit received from alternate modes may be subject to re-evaluation by the four-year institution. These credits will not be used in calculating the cumulative average and will appear on the student’s transcript as transfer credits. The alternate paths toward earning credits for a degree are described below.

Advanced Placement (AP)

SUNY Ulster recognizes college-level courses taken by students while still in high school. Advanced Placement (AP) examination scores of 3, 4, or 5 will normally earn college credit for corresponding courses. Credit for AP courses will be given upon admission to SUNY Ulster and receipt of the AP transcript. Recognition of transfer credit for AP course work varies among transfer colleges.

Challenge Examinations

Credit may be earned through challenge exams developed and administered by the appropriate department responsible for the subject area in which credit is sought. Determination of an applicant’s eligibility for the examination rests with the academic department that oversees the discipline where the credit is being sought.  Application forms are available on the portal under the Student Resources tab.  Departments are not obligated to create challenge examinations.

The passing grade for the challenge exam and decision to grant or withhold credit will be determined by the academic department concerned. A student may receive credit through challenge examination in a prerequisite course providing the student does so before taking the higher-level course. Challenge exams will not be permitted for courses which were waived or for courses in which advanced standing has been previously granted, such as Advanced Placement courses.

Final approval for the credit rests with the Department Chair.

Equivalency

SUNY Ulster accepts the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) and will grant credit in accordance with the recommendations of the New York State Education Department for certain courses listed in the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction (formerly PONSI).  Many non-collegiate courses offered by the Armed Forces, industry and governmental agencies have been evaluated for college credit as well.  Equivalency may also include non-credit professional studies to credit with articulation agreements. Students are directed to Admissions for more information. 

Portfolio Submission & Evaluation

In the portfolio process the student demonstrates his or her college level learning through submission of writing, documents or illustrations of his or her learning to a portfolio in our learning management system.  Prior learning experiences that may be applicable to college-level credit course work might include employment in related areas, previous independent study, military experience and training, distance-learning courses, volunteer activities, or selected BOCES courses. The portfolio is reviewed and evaluated by a faculty member with expertise in the course for which the student is requesting credit.  The faculty member writes an evaluation report and awards credit or explains why credit is not being awarded.

The appropriateness and relevance of the college level learning to course learning outcomes must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the supervising faculty and the Department Chair.

A student may apply for Credit for Prior Learning through the portfolio process in a prerequisite course providing the student does so before taking the higher-level course. Credit for Prior Learning will not be permitted for courses that were waived or for courses in which advanced standing has been permitted, such as Advanced Placement courses.

Application forms are available on the portal under Student Resources. The decision to award credit will be made by the appropriate chairperson in consultation with a supervising faculty member from the academic discipline where the credit is being sought. Credit will be given on a pass/ fail basis through assessment of the materials submitted and credits will appear as transfer credits on the student’s transcript. Credit will be recorded only if the student passes according to the criteria set by the department reviewing the portfolio.

Standardized Tests

The College recognizes the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and other subject examinations such as Excelsior College and DSST that are equivalent to courses currently acceptable for transfer to SUNY Ulster and on which the grade earned equates to a C or better.

High School Partnerships

Collegian Program

SUNY Ulster’s Collegian Program enables high school students to enroll in SUNY Ulster courses taught during the day at their high school by selected high school faculty. While specific courses vary among high schools, students may be able to earn college credit in courses such as English, Mathematics, History, Foreign Languages, Biology, and Business. Students interested in taking Collegian courses should meet with their high school guidance counselors or a SUNY Ulster representative. More information is available here.

The Early College Program

The Early College Program allows high school students to enroll in and attend courses on the SUNY Ulster campus Candidates for this program may include, but are not limited to:

• High school seniors seeking to complete remaining high school graduation requirements at SUNY Ulster;
• High school students interested in completing some coursework at SUNY Ulster; and
• Home-schooled students with SUNY Ulster coursework built into an approved Individual Home Instructional Plan (IHIP) within the school district they reside.

To apply, candidates must complete our Early College Program Application. The application must be signed by the applicant, the applicant’s parent or guardian and appropriate school official(s) in order to be considered for this program. Applicants enrolled in high school are required to submit an official high school transcript with their application. Home-schooled applicants must provide a letter from the appropriate school official(s) indicating an approved Individual Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) is on file with the district. All applicants are also required to complete the Entering Student Assessment, which will be used as an advisement tool to measure academic readiness for SUNY Ulster coursework.

Students in the Early College Program will be eligible for full or part-time study and may enroll in coursework providing they place into or meet the pre/co-requisite requirements of the course(s) they intend to enroll in. Early College Program students may also qualify to take honors coursework, based on the results of their entering student assessment results, or by advisement.

Students enrolled in the Early College Program are considered non-matriculated and do not qualify for financial aid. SUNY Ulster is not responsible for monitoring the graduation requirements for individual students; students using the Early College Program to fulfill high school graduation requirements are responsible for ensuring they are meeting New York State requirements for a high school diploma.

More information about the Early College Program is available here.

Additional Admissions Information

Ability to Benefit

Students may be required to take the Ability to Benefit (ATB) exam in accordance with State ATB guidelines in determining eligibility for some types of financial aid.

Applicants with Permanent Residency

Permanent residents of the United States must provide their alien registration number on the SUNY Ulster application and bring their Green Card to the Enrollment and Success Center for a copy to be placed in their admission file.

Applicants with Prior Felony Convictions

Students with prior felony convictions may be prohibited from participating in certain internships, field placements and employment opportunities. Some programs require students to participate in these experiences, and students should speak to the academic departments to understand potential limitations and options. For information about Financial Aid Eligibility, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/criminal-convictions or contact the Financial Aid office

English Proficiency

Students applying to the College for whom English is a second language must show proficiency in English in one of the following ways:

1. A high school diploma from an institution where English is the language of instruction and satisfactory performance on the Entering Student Assessment;
2. A GED taken in English and satisfactory performance on the Entering Student Assessment; or
3. A score of 500 or better on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); 173 or better on the computer-based test; or 70 or better on the Internet-based test. Applicants may request that TOEFL scores be sent directly from Educational Testing Services to SUNY Ulster by entering the school code 2938 on score reporting documents. The College will also accept a score of Grade 1 on the Step EIKEN test for native speakers of Japanese.

Non-US Citizens

Students applying to SUNY Ulster who are not permanent residents will be required to submit a Student Affidavit of Intent to Legalize Immigration Status. Federal aid is not available to non-US citizens who do not have permanent residency status.

Out-of-County Residents

According to State Law, students attending SUNY Ulster whose legal residence is in a county other than Ulster are required to submit a Certificate of Residence from their home county to the Student Accounts Office in order to receive the in-county tuition rate. A Certificate of Residence verifies that you have been a New York State resident for one year prior to the start of the semester. Students registering without a Certificate of Residence will be charged the Non-Resident tuition charge until the Certificate of Residence is received. Also, per New York State Education Law, you must submit a valid Certificate of Residence to the College once EACH YEAR.

Certificates are valid only when dated no earlier than 60 days prior to the start of classes and no later than 30 days after the start of classes. Certificates are valid for one year from the date of issue (please check with your County Treasurer’s Office for any exceptions). Updated certificates are required each year. Students who fail to submit their Certificates within the timeline mentioned above are responsible to pay the Non-Resident tuition rate. Certificate of Residence application forms are available at SUNY Ulster’s Student Accounts Office and the College’s website here.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)

SUNY Ulster is a member of SOC, the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges. SOC is a consortium of national higher education associations functioning in cooperation with the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Military Services, including the National Guard and the Coast Guard. This civilian military partnership allows servicemembers to:

• Earn an Associate degree online or on campus while in the service;
• Enroll in the college concurrently with enlistment in the Army or Army Reserve through the Concurrent Admissions Program (CONAP); and
• Earn college credit for evaluation from military training and programs.

Information on obtaining military transcripts and military education benefits can be found here, or by contacting the Admissions Office. In accordance with Section 487 of the US Higher Education Act, as amended 2008, matriculated SUNY Ulster students who are called to active military duty while enrolled at SUNY Ulster shall not be denied readmission to the College upon return. Individuals called to active service should contact the Registrar’s Office for a Military Leave of Absence.

Registration

New Student Assessment

SUNY Ulster requires all new applicants to take the Entering Student Assessment, however some exceptions may be granted. This assessment consists of three sections: English, reading comprehension, and mathematics. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that all new students will be registered into the appropriate courses that meet the student’s academic needs. After the assessment is completed, students meet with an advisor to register for courses. The assessment results, together with the students’ academic transcripts, are used to begin the advisement and registration process. Students who are exempt from the assessment test will be notified by the Admissions Office. Testing accommodations for students with a documented disability can be arranged with the Disability Services Coordinator.

SUNY Ulster Developmental Courses

Students whose academic records and/or assessment scores indicate a need to strengthen learning skills will be advised to enroll in developmental courses. These courses are precollege level and may not apply toward degree, diploma, or certificate requirements. Upon successful completion of the courses, students progress to the next level of readiness. Depending on the level, the next stage of courses might not confer college credit.

Developmental courses are designed to help students achieve proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics:

• OTP 070 - Reading Workshop 4 cr. 
• MAT 091 - Pre‐Algebra 3 cr. 
• MAT 094- Quantitative Reasoning Foundations 3 cr.
• MAT 095 - Intro to Quantitative Reasoning 4 cr.

Note: Students enrolled in developmental courses who anticipate receiving any financial assistance should contact the College’s Financial Aid Office to discuss eligibility as these courses do not confer credit.

Students who place below college level coursework have the opportunity to participate in SUNY Ulster Advantage to improve skills and retest. 

SUNY Ulster Advantage

Entering students placing into pre-college level courses may choose to enroll in SUNY Ulster Advantage, a five-week summer program providing reading instruction, computerized math programs, tutoring, writing instruction, and workshops on skills development. Enrolled students have the opportunity to improve their skills, retake the College’s Entering Student Assessment and potentially advance to college-level courses for the Fall semester.

Full-Time and Part-Time Study

A full-time student is one who is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per semester. A part-time student is one who is enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours per semester. All international students must register for a minimum of 12 credits in the fall and spring semesters. Students who wish to attempt more than 21 credits in the fall or spring semester must have approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students can not attempt more than 13 credits in summer semester or more than 7 credits in winter semester. Students’ full or part-time status may affect financial aid eligibility. Students should refer to the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Registration for Matriculated Students

The College holds registration sessions before the start of each semester. Students should apply and register as early as possible because early registration offers students the best opportunity to build schedules of their choice.

After the first semester of attendance, continuing students register with their academic advisors. This process ensures the greatest class availability. Priority for the next semester is held for a period of two weeks shortly after the middle of the semester.

Registration for Nonmatriculated Students

Non-matriculated students, those not seeking a degree, should register for coursework via the College’s website. While not degree-seeking, they may avail themselves of the Entering Student Assessment and other advising services.

Cross Registration

Students attending a SUNY community college or a SUNY four-year college may take courses at other SUNY institutions without incurring additional tuition charges, but may be responsible for course-related fees. SUNY Ulster students who wish to take a course at other SUNY institutions are subject to the following requirements:

1. The student is matriculated in a degree program;
2. The course is not being offered at SUNY Ulster;
3. The course is a degree requirement; 
4. The student has met all the necessary prerequisites for the course;
5. The student has no registration holds; and
6. The student is in good academic standing and has a minimum GPA of 2.0

Credits earned through cross-registration are recorded on the SUNY Ulster transcript as transfer credits with the appropriate number of credits attempted and earned. The letter grades earned through cross-registration, at participating institutions, are not recorded on the SUNY Ulster transcript, nor included in student’s GPA. In addition, cross-registered courses do not count towards residency requirements. Student must still meet SUNY Ulster residency requirements in order to graduate.

For additional information or to apply for Cross Registration, please see our website or SUNY information.  

Second Degree Policy

To earn a second degree at SUNY Ulster, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits in residence beyond those earned for the first degree. These 15 credits must be in a different field of study and must, when combined with credits previously achieved, fulfill the requirements of the second degree. SUNY Ulster’s On Track developmental courses may not be included in the 15 credit-bearing residency requirement.

Auditing

Procedures

1. Information and materials for auditing may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.
2. Permission to audit must be obtained from the instructor before registering.
3. An audit student registers for a course in the same manner as prescribed for credit students.
4. Fees and tuition rates for auditing are the same as those established in the fee schedule for credit courses.

Regulations

1. Permission to audit a course must be obtained from the course instructor.
2. Full-time students may not audit more than one course each semester.
3. A change from audit to credit status will be permitted only during the first week of classes.
4. A change from credit to audit status will be permitted with the consent of the instructor. The deadline for this change is no later than two-thirds of the time period during which the course is offered.
5. A full-time student is only permitted to audit a particular course once, unless approved by Vice President of Academic Affairs. If a student is allowed to audit a particular course more than once, the student will not be permitted to take the course at a later time for credit.
6. In order to receive an audit grade, the student must complete the course to the instructor’s satisfaction. A student not satisfactorily completing a course being audited will be given a W.

Registration for Students Over 60

Ulster County residents age 60 and older may audit credit courses offered by the College without paying tuition, on the provision that there is space available in the class after credit students have registered. Participants must pay all accompanying course fees. Students may register on the first day of classes. For more details, interested applicants should contact the Registrar’s Office.